LSVT LOUD PROGRAM: is an effective speech treatment for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and other neurological conditions.

LSVT LOUD improves vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles of the larynx and speech mechanism through a systematic hierarchy of exercises.

Treatment not only stimulates the motor system but also incorporates sensory awareness training. Treatment is administered in about 16 sessions over four consecutive weeks (four individual 60 minute sessions per week).

*LSVT BIG PROGRAM is also offered on-site by our physical therapists

DEEP PHARYNGEAL NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION (DPNS): Use of frozen lemon glycerin swabs to stimulate specific sites within the oral cavity to address the following:

• Increase salivation for digestion and lubrication
• Improve lingual coordination for mastication, bolus (food or drink in the mouth) transfer.
• Restore pressure/thermal/taste sensory receptors on the tongue to elicit needed movement for mastication and bolus transfer.
• Improve palatal reflex for restoration of velopharyngeal closure and to maintain closure during each swallow to complete each swallow with appropriate cessation of respiration (eliminate inhalation during the swallow) and to eliminate aspiration risk.
• Increase laryngeal elevation/suprahyoid muscle strength to increase epiglottal range of motion to eliminate aspiration risk.
• Improve pharyngeal contractibility to propel food/liquid boluses to the esophagus.

NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (NMES): Three different NMES devices: EMS-2C (Facial E-stim), Vital Stim (Pharyngeal Constriction and Laryngeal range of motion) and Ampcare ESP (Suprahyoid Muscles for increased laryngeal elevation).

Vital Stim and Ampcare ESP are FDA approved. These devices are used simultaneously with DPNS or multiple devices at the same time (for e.g. facial e-stim placement with Vital Stim and Ampcare ESP on Suprahyoidal muscles) for muscle re-education and to prevent disuse atrophy to address facial weakness or droop as well as laryngeal range of motion.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE: To increase buccinators (cheek), obicularis oris (lips) and neck muscle tone and range of motion. This modality is addressed to improve swallowing and speech production.

MODIFIED BARIUM SWALLOW (MBS) STUDY: We complete MBS studies on-site to assess swallowing difficulties. The video study is completed at the first appointment. At the second appointment, a speech language pathologist will meet with the patient for 50-60 minutes to review results, provide education, and a plan for rehabilitation as indicated. A written report is faxed to the referring physician and the patient will also receive a copy of the report for their own medical records during the second appointment

*All of these services are offered on an outpatient basis

For further questions or to make a referral, please contact: CHRISTINA PORTELL, M.S. CCC/SLP 512.467.6790 [email protected]